Last 20 Miler

Yesterday I ran my last 20-miler before the marathon, which was really my first 20 miler since I accidentally only ran 19 miles last time I was supposed to do 20.  It was less than ideal that this run happened on a Tuesday, but with all the weekend traveling I've been doing, it just happened to work out that way.  I was extremely nervous for the run because of my hamstring pain and the fact that I've skipped a bunch of workouts lately to recover.  It's actually pretty ridiculous how scared I was for it - I haven't been able to sleep, I had a pit in my stomach every time I saw the NYC Marathon subway signs, etc.  I was pretty convinced that there was no way I'd be able to finish a 20 mile run, let alone 26 miles on Nov 7th. 

To my relief, the run went well.  Because Dr. Snug said to avoid hills, I ran all the way up the West Side Highway from Tribeca (at Harrison Street) to the George Washington Bridge (at 178th Street) and back down.  The course was pretty flat, although there were a few tiny hills up in Harlem.  My legs were really feeling the distance, and around mile 17 I had to stop and stretch out my hamstrings.  I have learned that certain miles will always be more difficult for me.  I always get tired around mile 7, 12, and 17.  For some reason I felt great during Miles 18-20, minus my screaming legs which I was trying not to think about, and was able to pick up my speed a bit.  I was pretty sore afterward, but took time to stretch and ice, and have been wearing my compression tights ever since. 

The long run gave me a little bit of confidence that I'll be able to run the marathon on November 7th.  This was the last long run before the marathon, so it was really my last chance for this peace of mind.  I am so relieved that it went okay, and now I can go into the taper without that panicky feeling I've had for the past few weeks.